Computer Virus Alert

Computer Virus Alert! (updated 3/04)
by Liz Schmidt

Each month I receive several emails and electronic documents containing computer viruses. Often these are sent unknowingly from friends, associates, and clients; and lately I've also received dubious emails with "spoofed" return addresses of Cox, Paypal, ebay, and several other companies I do business with. This trend is especially troubling, because I usually figure these companies have precautions in place to avoid the transmission of viruses. (On a different security-related subject, I've also received spoofed messages with links with legitimate-looking URLs asking me to update my private information. I never provide information like this without first checking with the company to make sure they sent the message, and typically they haven't done so).

In addition, since I originally wrote this article several years ago, virus writers and hackers have gotten more devious, and there are now virus "worms" that can affect your computer even if you don't open an attached file. So the old rule about not opening attachments still holds true, but it is even more important now to have a virus program running and checking all incoming messages at all times, and to keep the virus definitions up-to-date!

After installing a well-known anti-virus software (I switched to Trend Micro Internet Security about a year ago and have been very pleased with it) there are two important maintenance tasks that you must keep on top of: 1) regularly updating your virus descriptions, and 2) occasionally upgrading to a new software version. I have my computer set to automatically update virus descriptions continually, and I upgrade my software every six months or so. Fortunately, the newer versions of the most popular anti-virus programs (Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro) remind you to download the updated files from the Internet, and make it extremely easy to do so. The software costs under $30, and the maintenance downloads are either free or very inexpensive. Considering the fact that my business depends on keeping my computer in top working order, that’s an unbelievable bargain.

On a similar note, I also get a lot of well-intentioned forwarded email warnings about virus threats and various dangers lurking in the real world. I'm glad that my e-mail buddies are thinking of me... but before you forward a warning, it's easy to check whether it's real or a hoax or urban legend by visiting a virus software company's website (http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/) and/or about.com's urban legend website (http://urbanlegends.about.com/index.htm). The virus sites can also tell you how serious a virus is that you may have already caught, as well as provide helpful information and free downloads to get rid of it. The urban legends site can help you cut down on the glut of junk email that already bogs down the email delivery system.

For expert advice, or if you’re not familiar with software installation, give your favorite computer consultant a call. Oh yes, and don’t forget to back up your data regularly!

Liz Schmidt, owner of Intelligraphics, is a writer, graphic designer, and web developer. She has edited and produced the NAWBO news for the past seven years; and developed and maintains this website. Liz can be reached at (949) 586-8372, or visit her on the web at www.m arketingwithstyle.com.

back to NAWBO-OC website

The information presented on this website is intended to be accurate and authoritative information on the subject matter covered, and is distributed with the understanding that NAWBO and its members are not rendering professional advice and assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Information provided about events is not an implied endorsement of any business, product or service, and NAWBO is not responsible for any loss or injury resulting from initiating contact with persons or businesses associated with these events.

©2000-2006, National Association of Women Business Owners, Orange County Chapter
1240 N. Jefferson Street, Suite G, Anaheim, CA 92807 • phone (714) 630-2983 • fax (714) 632-5405
Site developed and maintained by Intelligraphics. Email comments to Webmaster.